1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
The sole film helmed by Oscar-winning actor Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter is one of the great one-off directorial efforts, a nervy chase movie drenched in Southern Gothic atmosphere.
—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
His serious, sometimes ponderous style is most vividly on display in Son of Saul, which uses the nervy technique of keeping the camera very close on one prisoner as hell is unleashed in the periphery.
—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
By the time Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy’s previous band, Ought, came to an end in 2021, the Montreal group had morphed from nervy, scrappy post-punk to grandiose art rock.
—
David Glickman,
Pitchfork,
7 May 2026
Noonan plays Michael in the film with a quiet watchfulness that contrasts Jackie’s nervy, open wound of a woman played with emotive genius by Karen Sillas.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 June 2026
His serious, sometimes ponderous style is most vividly on display in Son of Saul, which uses the nervy technique of keeping the camera very close on one prisoner as hell is unleashed in the periphery.
—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
By the time Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy’s previous band, Ought, came to an end in 2021, the Montreal group had morphed from nervy, scrappy post-punk to grandiose art rock.
—
David Glickman,
Pitchfork,
7 May 2026
Noonan plays Michael in the film with a quiet watchfulness that contrasts Jackie’s nervy, open wound of a woman played with emotive genius by Karen Sillas.
—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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Let curiosity guide cooperation toward a wiser agreement.
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Grantham is either a wise veteran warning investors again or a permanent bear who fails to understand a new financial system.
Adjective
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Marmo sees Bruce’s life as tragical, comical but also adventurous and courageous.
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Mixing materials like lace, cotton, and more adventurous fabrics like leather within the same color family adds visual interest without losing the cohesive vibe.
Adjective
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Oprah selected it for her book club; at her compound in Montecito, Whitehead was so nervous that her staff insisted on blow-drying the damp patches of his dress shirt before they were introduced.
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The low unemployment rate had made many economists nervous, including some on the Fed.
Adjective
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While the cheeky bra top is optional, a longer length button-down pairs seamlessly with a summery lace or crochet maxi skirt.
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Over the years, his music evolved, marrying the genres of alternative rock, hip-hop and electro-pop with his cheeky flair.
Adjective
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For the truly daring, there’s the Chuper Ballena Michelada.
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The actress, 29, stepped out in a custom Louis Vuitton two-piece leather set that featured a daring low-rise skirt with a train paired with a tiny matching vest.
Adjective
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Now, multiple residents are left worried about what's to come next week with extremely hot temperatures in the forecast.
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With voters nationwide worried about inflation and the rising cost of living, some Californians might feel less inclined to provide full healthcare coverage to those lacking legal status.
Adjective
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Below are five bold predictions about what the world of artificial intelligence will look like in the year 2030.
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Pheromone perfume has flooded social media feeds with bold claims about boosting attraction, but the science behind these scented sprays is murkier than the marketing suggests.
Adjective
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Before becoming an Academy Award-winning actress, activist, and fitness pioneer, Fonda captivated audiences in Barbarella with fearless fashion, futuristic beauty, and unforgettable blonde hair.
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The challenger plays free, takes the shot, and converts the lopsided stakes into the kind of fearless performance the incumbent literally cannot produce, because the incumbent has too much to protect.
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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